The Room Where it Happens
Class Description
America’s form of government and system of elections is unique in the world, even among other democracies. We will examine differences not only between nations but also between states and even local districts. We will look especially at the variety of voting processes and safeguards as implemented throughout the country.
For starters I invite you to view this short video that addresses the difference between a republic and a democracy, concluding with a characterization of the American form of government. In class we will look at some other democracies in the world to understand similarities and differences that help understand our peculiar election process. I suggest viewing this (~6 minute) video that puts our form of government in perspective by comparing to the British Constitutional Monarchy.
The Electoral College is uniquely American. Previous videos mentioned it but I suggest you view this (4.5 min) video that not only clarifies the workings with historical underpinnings, but also addresses the phenomenon of the “faithless electors” that we will discuss in class.
We will spend a little time discussing gerrymandering of congressional districts, a problem that has perpetually existed in the U.S. that rears its head each election cycle. We will examine ways to quantify the effect and a scheme to try to minimize it. For a brief introduction to the problem I invite you to view this (4 min) video.
We then move into the practical aspect of the voting process, including evolution of voting mechanism, oversight, security and certifications, all of which have found their way into the news (and the courts) in recent elections. Funding of elections, both the voting process and the campaigning itself, will be discussed as we approach the end of the current election process.
We will conclude with some proposed modifications to our election process, ranging from the “winner takes all” aspect of the Electoral College to the ballot process itself. I suggest viewing two videos to stimulate though in these areas. The first addresses the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact initiative, now finding support in some states, and the second explains the pros and cons of the Ranked Choice Voting scheme that some states have already adopted. Finally we will address a rising interest in congressional term limits.
